Westcave Homeschool Days
27 miles west of Austin, TX
2nd Tuesday/Month (Oct-May) • 9am-2pm (10am Guided Hike)
Come Explore Westcave on a naturalist-led hike into our Beautiful Canyon, Grotto, and Cave Area
Join us at Westcave for our Westcave Homeschool Days held 2nd Tuesday monthly during the 2024-2025 school year (Oct-May). All homeschool day programs include a guided hike of Westcave Preserve, classroom discussion, and time-permitting exploration of the exhibits at our Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center and Uplands trail system on their own. All youth are welcome to join Homeschool Days, including homeschoolers, homeschooling groups, learning pods, and students with asynchronous schedules. Please note this is not a drop-off event and each homeschooler needs a supervising adult present.
Homeschoolers and supervising adults will hike along a 1.5-2 hour guided hike through an arid savanna through a limestone crevice down a 100-foot staircase into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life with one of Westcave’s naturalist guides. You will reach the head of the canyon where waterfalls along a stunning 40-foot cliff that stands replenishing the grotto pool below. Your guide will talk about various plants, wildlife, natural history, and geology along the way. This is a one-mile round trip moderate to difficult hike.
What to Wear
Westcave recommends everyone for the trip wear comfortable closed-toed shoes and socks for hiking, comfortable outdoor clothing that is weather appropriate: light, loose clothing on a hot day and layers on a cold day, a water bottle, and a sack lunch (if you would like picnic lunch on site). The students do not need anything but themselves down on the trail, but water bottles are recommended during the summer months.
Please note all children and adult participants will need to always stay with the group and on the trail. Everything at the preserve is protected and collection of anything is not allowed, including rocks, sticks, leaves, flowers, etc.
Rate
$20 / Adult (19+)
$10 / Student (4-18yrs)
Under the age of 4 is free
NOTE: This is not a drop-off event. Each homeschooler MUST have a supervising adult/parent.
Schedule of the Day
- 9 am – 2 pm for Homeschool Day
- 9 am Outer Gates Open
- 9 am-10 am Free time to explore the Environmental Learning Center or Uplands Trail System
- 10 am Outer Gates Close: No Entry, late arrivals are considered a no-show. No accommodations, refunds, or reschedules will be made for late arrivals/no-shows.
- 10 am-1 pm Guided hike with a naturalist guide, ~3 hours (Reservations are required for guided hike) Guided Hike Starts promptly at 10 am. Outer gates close at 10 am.
- 1 pm-2 pm Free time to explore Learning Center, have a picnic lunch, or explore the Uplands trail system
- 2:15 pm Preserve closed for the day all guests need to exit the property.
Limitations
- NOTE: This is not a drop-off event. Each homeschooler MUST have a supervising adult/parent.
- Guided Hike starts promptly at 10 am. If you are not on-site beforehand the outer gates will close at 10 am sharp and guests will be considered a late/no-show. No accommodations, refunds, or reschedules will be made for late arrivals/no-shows.
- All events are weather permitting.
- Pets are not allowed on the property, and may not be left in a vehicle.*
- Westcave reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time, for any reason.
- Access to the canyon, cave, and grotto is only permitted with a supervising staff member.
- Due to the nature of this program, this event requires a minimum number of participants. If the minimum number is not reached within 48 -72 hours before the program start time, the event will be cancelled. Guests will be notified by email and will receive a full refund.
Schedule of Dates for 2024-2025 School Year
Tuesday, October 8th Fall Migration/Westcave Story
Tuesday, November 12th Animal Botanical Marvels
Tuesday, December 10th Westcave Story
Tuesday, January 14th Water Life Blood
Tuesday, February 11th Westcave Story
Tuesday, March 11th Water Life Blood
Tuesday, April 2nd Spring Migration/Westcave Story
Tuesday, May 13th Animal Botanical Marvels
Program Options
Westcave Story- In this overview program, students will learn about plants, animals, hydrology, and geology of the Texas Hill Country with Westcave Preserve as the backdrop and focal point. On the guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto, students will observe two different habitats, Live Oak -Ashe Juniper Savanna and the Riparian Woodland. In the grotto, students will learn about Westcave’s cultural history and come to understand the importance of environmental conservation by hearing the story of damage Westcave suffered from overuse in the 1960s and 1970s. They will also learn about the recovery that is ongoing today.
Animal & Botanical Marvels- This program focuses on the wildlife and plants of the Preserve, including rare and endangered species. Students will learn about the importance of plant communities, habitats, conservation, and biodiversity on a guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto. Students will also discover the four basic requirements a habitat must provide for an animal (food, water, cover, and a place to raise their young) by playing an interactive game. On the guided hike, students will stop in two different habitats (Live Oak -Ashe Juniper Savanna and the Riparian Woodland), to conduct a 5-minute biological survey of both the flora and fauna to compare the biodiversity at Westcave Preserve.
Water: Lifeblood of the Earth- Students will learn about water and examine our most precious resource. Students will learn about the hydrologic (water) cycle, watersheds, surface water, groundwater aquifers, and nonpoint source (NPS) versus point source pollution. Students will also examine Westcave Preserve's rainwater collection system and observe the natural spring-fed waterfall and other water sources on a guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto, discussing the importance of conservation
Spring/Fall Migration/Westcave Story- In this overview program, students will learn about plants, animals, hydrology, and geology of the Texas Hill Country with Westcave Preserve as the backdrop and focal point, just like the Westcave Story Program above. Students will also have a 15-minute activity to learn about citizen science, bird identification, and binocular skills with a reduced bird field guide and stationary birds on a fun scavenger hunt.
Cancellation Policy:
Customers MUST provide a 24-hour notice via email to request a rebooking or full refund/credit for any reason. If Westcave cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive an email notice and a full refund. To cancel, click the "Cancel Booking" link under the picture of the grotto on your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us by phone or send an email to info@westcave.org. No-shows will be charged the full price. Westcave reserves the right to cancel a tour at any time, for any reason.
FAQs
What is your Cancellation Policy:
Customers MUST provide a 24-hour notice via email to request a rebooking or full refund/credit for any reason. If Westcave cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, customers will receive an email notice and a full refund. To cancel, click the "Cancel Booking" link under the picture of the grotto on your confirmation email. If you have any difficulties, please contact us by sending an email to info@westcave.org. No-shows will be charged the full price. . If your tour is not canceled, you must still provide 24-hours advanced notice to request a refund or rebooking for any reason.
How difficult is the hike?
The experience is a 1-mile, roundtrip, moderate to difficult hike from the parking lot. Visitors hike in and out of the canyon by way of a long, winding, uneven 125 step staircase built into the slope of the canyon. Once in the canyon there are additional steps, rocks and roots to navigate. We encourage visitors to wear sturdy shoes and bring their own walking stick if needed.
Do you allow pets?
No pets are allowed on the premise of Westcave Preserve, even if on a leash, and may not be left in a vehicle. If you are found with a pet on the Preserve or locked in your car, you will kindly be asked to leave.
We recommend visiting Milton Reimers Ranch Park (2 miles away) if you want to spend time outside with your pet.
Can we swim at Westcave?
There is no swimming at Westcave or access to the Pedernales River.
Can I take a ride share to Westcave?
Please DO NOT take a ride share (ex. Uber, lyft) to Westcave. We are outside the service range for pickups and you may become stranded.
Is the hike child-friendly? Can my baby/toddler attend?
Children love to learn and explore the outdoors. Strollers are not allowed in the Canyon, Grotto, or Cave area due to the 100-foot staircase and the nature of the trail. Please be aware the hike is 1.5-2 hours long and you may have to carry your baby/toddler for most of the mile-long hike.
Can I stay longer?
You are welcome to visit our Environmental Learning Center, or the shaded picnic tables before or after your experience, or book access to hike on the Uplands trails.
Do you have restrooms?
Two composting toilets and sinks for hand washing are available for guest usage. Cleaning and disinfecting procedures are in place.